Homeless man stole ribs from butcher armed with baseball bat

Emma Clarke
Journalist
Emma has worked as a journalist in regional Queensland for four years, including Biloela and Rockhampton and most recently in Ipswich. Having previously covered the court and general news rounds, Emma is now the digital producer at the Queensland Times.

A HOMELESS man who stole rib fillets and spices from a Rockhampton butcher and threatened the shopkeeper with a baseball bat has dodged time behind bars.

Jamie William Fischer, 25, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton District Court yesterday to one count of armed robbery after he stole meat from Peter Boodles Quality Meats on Berserker St in May.

Crown prosecutor Samantha O'Rourke told the court Fischer walked into the store at 10.30am on May 5 and took a packet of budget rib fillets and a packet of spice before leaving. She said Fischer swung a steel baseball bat at a female shopkeeper when she followed him and verbally abused her.

"The defendant then apologised and put the meat and the bat on the ground," Ms O'Rourke said.

Ms O'Rourke said Fischer did not attempt to conceal his identity. Defence barrister Jordan Ahlstrand said Fischer had been homeless since he was 11 years old and had only recently gained a permanent address. "He was motivated by the need for food not greed," Mr Ahlstrand said.

Judge Michael Burnett said Fischer told the shopkeeper he was hungry before he returned the meat.

"No doubt you were spending your money on drugs rather than on food which might explain why you committed this offence," Judge Burnett said.